EPISODE 136: OLD POWER
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
Madria turned at the call of her name. The voice sounded familiar, but it was one that she hadn’t heard in a while. Yet, her eyes lit up as she spotted Karla, Simra, and the other two commoner students of Class One. They were led by a short, portly man who was clearly a butler of the palace. He stepped to the side and allowed them to converge.
“Karla, Simra, it is wonderful to see you… these two are…,” Madria hesitated. She hadn’t much interacted with the two men, and her mind didn’t immediately recall their names.
“This is-,“ Karla began introductions.
“I’m Zie Breaker — Lord of Combustion, a member of Class One like you,” the youth said as he stepped forward, cutting Karla off in the process. He reached a hand forward and Madria hesitantly shook his, an awkward smile on her face.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. We haven’t had the opportunity to interact much, but allow me to introduce myself. I am Madria Judd Gamal—don’t hesitate to say hello when we return to Imperius Academy,” she responded politely. Madria stepped back and looked toward the second student—she extended a polite nod in his direction.
“Luke Walker, it is a pleasure to meet a [Life-Weaver].”
Madria’s eyes grew startled, her posture turned defensive. “You know I’m a [Life-Weaver]?”
Madria’s second class was only known to a select few. In fact, it was known to less than ten people, and outside Lawruthian, all of them were of the Gamal House. It should be impossible for Luke Walker to know about her second class.
“Ah,” he responded sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. “I’d only assumed, there is potent life-attributed mana that surrounds you. I’d read that when those of an affinity reach a certain threshold, that type of mana surrounds them—and you being a scion of the Gamal House…,” his words trailed off.
Madria relaxed—Luke’s explanation made sense. Ever since she raised her affinity to the first limit and fully comprehended the Life Affinity, the mana seemed to follow her around like a lost puppy. It seeped itself all throughout her aura, boosting her passive [Priest of Madris] skill and invigorating those around her. It wasn’t so strange that Luke would be able to put those inferences together. [Life-Weaver] was a well-known specialty of the Gamals.
“It is no wonder you’re able to hold your own in Class One—to notice that and put it all together only after our short meeting is brilliant,” Madria stated. “Have you joined any House or are you working for His Highness?”
Her House was always open to recruiting new talent both for themselves and the Church of Madris.
“Haha, I’ll be working for His Highness. I believe I’ll be attending Imperius College after graduating from the academy.”
“A smart choice, the students who attend and graduate are even more valued in Edryan than just those of the Academy,” Madria responded. She turned her attention back to the girls, a smile on her face as they pulled forward and hugged her. Once they separated, Madria began to question them.
“I didn’t know the students of the academy would be in attendance. Will you be staying for all events?”
Karla’s eyes brightened, and she immediately began to answer for the group. “I’m here to write about the events occurring during the Imperius Grand Summit. It’s a shame we missed the opener. I heard it was absolutely fantastic. Thank the Goddess we’ll be here for the rest of the events. Simra and the boys are here to fight…” Karla began.
At the mention of her name, Simra looked towards them, but her eyes quickly drifted away, distracted by the many parties going to and fro. Her eyes watched the people, but it seemed… automatic —like she was only acting instinctively while her mind remained elsewhere.
“…in the Challenger’s Ring. They are representatives from Imperius Academy under level fifty. Is there any information you can tell us about the event? His Highness didn’t really expand upon it and…,” Karla’s voice trailed off as Madria was already shaking her head.
“I do know more of the events that are to take place during the summit, but it is not my place to say. I can tell you the Challenger’s Ring will be dangerous. Blades have no eyes, and on this stage… many may choose to die rather than surrender. There are too many big players in attendance. Every Great House is here and the Goddess Herself watches. If you want to make a name for yourself, then this is the opportunity.”
Madria’s closing words seemed to draw the attention of Zie and Simra. Both perked up at the mention of making a name.
“Every Great House is in attendance,” Zie questioned, his eyes burned bright with interest.
“You can make a name for yourself,” Simra asked at the same time, her blue eyes startlingly cleared at the words of Madria.
Madria was shaken as both magi-humans loomed upon her, but she chuckled and answered both of their questions at once. “Yes and yes.”
“There is no greater opportunity to establish yourself than now. Every Great House of Edryan is here, and hundreds of minor ones as well. Should you fancy finding a sponsor for your Imperius Academy fees… then now is the time—or should you wish to spread your name so that every corner of Edryan will know of you… then the Challenger’s Ring will achieve that feat—so long as you possess the strength to stand out and survive.”
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Tendra Lorde nodded in approval at the number of houses in attendance for their second meeting. His Lorde family, alongside the Adel, Ursisus, and Jarrah, managed to pull twelve other families outside themselves to the second meeting. The first occurred yesterday, quickly organized by him but ended shortly as the Dioni and several others weren’t able to attend. Instead, they’d rescheduled for the morning of the Ancestral Remembrance right before the auction. It was fortunate that all members of the Old Powers were in attendance, and a small portion of the neutral faction was in attendance.
“Prince Tendra, we secured the hall. There should be no man under the Edryani present,” one of his stewards said.
“Good, let’s wait a few more minutes for everyone to get comfortable before we begin. Begin to pass out the documents that we’ve uncovered on this new system of governance.”
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“At once!”
Sixteen families were in attendance. Dioni, Lorde, Khan, Ursisus, Jarrah, Adel, Fuschia, Drrow, Cahoon, Yelwho, Usaap, Ohhao, Ode, Al’Lan, Liaon, Koi—each held a might and reputation that lasted for centuries, most were longer. An array of different magi were present. Some were warrior clans who kept a strict martial tradition, others were craftsmen who branched out in multiple trades. Regardless, each held concern in their hearts for the words their [Chosen of Madris] spoke yesterday. Each was led by Lord and Ladies, heads of their respective House.
Small discussions immediately erupted the moment the documents concerning their discussion began to spread. Tendra, alongside a few other representatives from the Old Powers, stood on a raised platform, ensuring all present could see them. The meeting hall was relatively small and could not stand to the magnificence of the [Chosen] venue, but it was far enough from the center of the War Throne Palace—the seat of power of the Edryani.
“Good morning,” Tendra called, his voice projected by a magi-tech item in his hand. He waited several seconds for the hushed discussions to die down. Once he ascertained he held the attention of most present, Tendra began to speak.
“It is an honor for so many Great Houses to attend this humble meeting. Today we are here to discuss the words of our [Chosen of Madris]—specifically those regarding changing our government into a Constitutional Monarchy. Those of you who’ve read the documents spread to each family can see that this government is called a Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy. It is thanks to the Adel and Ursisus Houses that we were able to uncover this information and allow us to gain a measure of control and understanding of what is to come.”
Tendra paused his opening speech. He was no [Chosen of Madris], no Lawruthian whose tongue had a way with words. Instead, Tendra was much more blunt and direct. Those who arrived all held a general understanding of why they were there.
“Many of you have already taken a look at the documents before you. Thus, you should understand the basis of this system and how it cannot come to pass without a majority vote. This Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy has both benefits and detractors, but do not allow them to cloud your eyes to the trap within.”
“Trap? The information on creating a Legacy Bloodline is a trap? The ability to establish our own kingdoms is a trap? Hmph, I hope you have a convincing argument,” Lord Ode called. The heavyset man’s beady eyes scanned over the document with a clear interest in certain topics. The head of the Ode was a shrewd businessman who kept his family as one of the richest outside the Great Six Houses.
“Clearly you haven’t lost your touch of greed Agin Ode, Her Majesty shouldn’t have just stopped at your father when the whole bloodline is infected. Did your eyes miss the dissolution of our hereditary status,” Lady Koi stated. The skinny woman’s monolid eyes narrowed at the larger man. A hint of disdain in her voice.
“Hmph, that is a small price to pay for the ability to establish one’s own kingdom. So long as we stay subservient to the Goddess, then this new Edryan will support us in its establishment,” a Lord called out.
“Do not forget, there will be an annual tithe sent to Edryan for its assistance in this establishment—with a minimum of a thousand years of payment. Depending on the level of support needed to establish this new kingdom, it could be paying for several millennia—and the tithe is just the smallest amount. This price can easily increase the more monetary help is provided,” Lord Usaap called. He shifted his glasses along his long nose as he continued to scan through the documents.
“That is a small price to pay for eternity—or do you hold no plans to breach level three hundred as the Edryani and their dogs have—I didn’t know the Koi joined those ranks,” Lord Ode responded to both parties.
Lady Koi stood in anger, but before she could get a rebuttal out, a powerful voice spoke. Their aura swept over the room and interposed itself between the two parties.
“It is best we allow Tendra to finish before we establish conclusions. My family did not pay a small price to secure this information,” the cold voice of Lady Adel echoed across the audience.
“Nor did mine,” said Lady Ursisus.
Lady Koi shot Lord Ode a look of disdain before retaking her seat. Tendra pursed his lips internally. He should have planned better than to put old enemies in the same room with one another. He’d never understand how two magi families whose territories were on the opposite sides of the country could be at odds. Then again, he’d still barely understood the magi after living with them for nearly two decades. Did they really believe their [Chosen of Madris] could conquer the world? He scoffed at the thought.
“Thank you, Lady Adel and Ursisus. I am glad you brought to attention what I deem is the biggest trap displayed for all nobility gathered. To even attempt to establish your own kingdom on our Elrunian Continent, you must first give up the territorial rights your family has long since held in Edryan. There is a maximum amount of support the Edryani are willing to give before they pause in any help to accomplish this task. Unless you have a hundred percent guarantee in your conquest, then truly breaking away from Edryan is almost an impossible dream,” Tendra said. He paused to allow his words to settle in before continuing.
“Keep in mind you must quell whatever inhabitants are already living on the territory,” Lady Adel added during Tendra’s pause.
“Hmph, it is easy for a Lorde to refute these claims. Your family has long since established itself.”
Tendra wasn’t sure what Lord said it, but that didn’t dissuade him from continuing, in fact, it only spurred him on. “The Lorde are beholden to the Edryani due to the status of our God. We know firsthand the difficulty of establishing a kingdom and keeping it afloat.”
“Regardless of the trouble that comes with this Tier Nine Citizen rank, the benefits are still proving far more valuable. This change will shift everything in Edryan, and even should we fail in establishing our own kingdoms, the Forever Bound Clause will save our bloodline,” Lord Coal stated. The head of the largest blacksmith family in Edryan sat with his arms folded, unconvinced by any of the words so far. He was a member of the neutral factions during the rising of the [Iron-Blooded Queen].
“The Forever Bound Clause ensures so long as a drop of your bloodline exists within Edryan, then the Goddess will confirm their safety. It even guarantees that they would not fall beneath the Tier Five Citizen rank—ensuring that they remain with status and not fade into the annuals of history.”
Tendra looked to Kabal, who smiled and stepped forward. She hadn’t made it to the meeting yesterday. It was fortunate during the early hours of the morning she managed to receive the documents ahead of time to play her part.
“There have been several benefits mentioned, but ensure that you do not forget the detractors. First, those of you in charge of these lands for generations will immediately lose certain rights and privileges. Should this change pass, each of you shall go from the Lords and Ladies you are, with heretical rights to your land—to [Regional Overseer], a position voted for by those underneath you every ten years. Second, there is a limit in the size of forces these [Overseer] are allowed to have. That limit isn’t broken until the rank of Tier Nine is reached—to add on to that, each [Regional Overseer] must provide a certain amount of sufficient tiered magi to join this new… National Army. Third, the one in charge of this national army is the monarch—do not let the clause that this will only be during wartime fool you. Edryan is on the cusp of a war to unify the continent. It is unknown the length of time this will take. Fourth, a certain level of information and monetary value must be poured into this new Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy. The Edryani are asking for a large portion of Edri to begin the construction of several new facilities that will become the capital of the country and several military bases. They will also fund the establishment of numerous rail systems throughout the country—connecting each of your cities to one another in a greater capacity. Fifth…”
Tendra smiled as Kabal continued to list off distractions. For every positive that seemed to come with this new change, Kabal would list off various negatives. The atmosphere in the room began to shift as the heads of their respective families took on pondering expressions. This was what Tendra wanted to see. Today was to be an informative meeting. Its purpose was to muddy the waters and help set the foundation to steadily convert more families toward a negative opinion of the new proposed system. During the next four days, the real work began. Private meetings, deals and more would be taking place to ensure a majority voted against this new system.
Once Kabal finished, Tendra gave the families present a closing statement.
“Do not let the allure of power deceive you. There is a price for everything, and what is proposed will cost each of you heavily should it succeed. Perhaps you are confident should this change pass that you will remain in power, but what of your descendants and their children? Should you pass on, can you guarantee that they will still hold on to the lands that your families have held for generations? Can you guarantee that you will become a Tier Nine Citizen with all the obstacles ahead?”
Tendra’s dark eyes gazed around, doing his best to meet the eyes of all the leaders within the room. He stood tall and radiated confidence. Although he was young, by far the youngest leader within the room outside of Kabal, he did his best to build a reputation within the noble circle of Edryan. Today’s meeting was not for the Old Powers, but for those neutral ones, he wasn’t certain in which direction they would vote. He was confident that the Old Powers would continue their resistance.
“Do not be fooled by the glorified words of the [Chosen of Madris] look at what you have now and know that even with his divine right… he cannot take it away from you. To vote for this new system will eventually give him that right. Perhaps not now, perhaps not even this millennium, but can you confirm within the next thousands of years should the magi conquer the realm that your family name will still exist? Will still thrive,” Tendra said. He left the Great Houses with those brooding words.